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Michael's Literacy Timeline
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Where the Wild Things Are
Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak, published in 1963. Growing up in Freehold, New Jersey, both of my parents worked and many times, my brother, sister, and I were home alone. In 1975, I remember being in 1st Grade, and my teacher assigned us our first book to read during class. I chose Where the Wild Things Are, and this was definitely a positive event in my life. -
Encyclopedia Britannica
On my birthday in 1976, I received my first book from Encyclopedia Britannica. I was so excited! If my memory serves me correctly, this was the very first book I ever owned. At the time, I did not know it was an older edition; I can remember taking it to my Aunt's house and having her help me read it. That was definitely a positive experience. I received another book in the series every birthday and Christmas. -
Holy Bible
The Holy Bible published by Thomas Nelson Inc., 1977. This very Bible was given to me by my Grandmother in 1981 for a Christmas present. This was my first Bible and my only Bible. I definitely consider this a piece of literature an influential part of my life. -
National Geographic
National Geographic introduced me to the world of science and discovery. During this time, this magazine was very inexpensive, and was filled with stories of natural science, history, and people from around the world. The information within these pages allowed me to learn about distance lands and new exciting discoveries. I tribute my strong desire to want to teach to the literature. I consider these magazines a very important contributor to my educational background today. -
The Hunt for Red October
The Hunt for Red October, written by Tom Clancy, published in 1984. I joined the United States Air Force in 1987, and my first assignment was Sembach, Germany. This was also the very first time I had ever been away from home. I remember being in the Base Exchange and seeing Hunt for Red October on the shelf. At this time in my life, the Cold War and spy games between the United States and the Soviet Union shaped the majority of my thinking. It was an interesting time in my literacy growth. -
Gerald's Game
Gerald's Game, by Stephen King, published in 1992. While stationed in Athens, Greece during the early 90s, the Berlin wall had fallen and Eastern Europe opened up to the world. However, the world's eye now turned to the Middle East. While in Greece, the stress levels were high, and I looked for an escape from the everyday problems of a military member. Stephen King's books filled that part of my life, and were a positive distraction in a troubled time. -
A History of Asia
A History of Asia, by Rhoads Murphey, published in 1991. This was the first History book I read which started me on the path of wanting to make this subject a focal point for my future teaching career. I enjoyed the lectures and the assignments learning about foreign places. I was stationed in Tokyo, Japan, where I was able to visit and experience many of the sites from which I had read. This was a positive and motivating literacy experience in my life. -
The Jungle
The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair, published in 1906. Honestly, I struggled with reading throughout my entire life. Growing up in a poor family, where both parents worked and neither of them graduated from school, I had to learn to read on my own. The Jungle represented a turning point for me, for I never really read for understanding. After this assignment for an English class, I looked at reading entirely differently; it helped me to look for the story behind the story. -
German Literature
The Meaning of Hitler, written by Sebastian Haffner, published in 1979. A literary interest in German began in the late 80s, but was not until 2006 that I began to want to know everything I could about Germany, the good and the bad. From this point forward, I was fascinated with the German culture and its long history. I focused most of my history background on Europe and its wars. I point to this time in my life to where I finally concentrated on European history. -
Nineteenth-Century Europe; The Revolution of Life
Nineteenth-Century Europe: The Revolution of Life, written by Leo A. Loubere, published in 1994. I found this book at a yard sale. As I was looking through it, the owner, who was a History teacher, began to explain how interesting it was. After reading it myself, it really helped me understand 19th century Europe, and the events which helped shape modern day Europe. I continue to reference the book today, and consider this literature very valuable in my studies.
